Vancouver, BC and Tokyo, Japan – Nippi Collagen, a global leader in the production and supply of premium marine collagen peptides has been granted Non-GMO Project Verified status. The award verifies the non-GMO status of Nippi’s premium select grade TruMarine™ Collagen and gives Nippi the right to use the well recognized logo issued by the Non-GMO Project, a highly-regarded non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO functional ingredient supply.

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal indicates that the raw material bearing the seal has gone through the rigorous process which includes traceability and testing of major ingredients at high risk for GMOs throughout the supply chain to ensure ingredient integrity through to the finished product. Greg Nielsen, VP and General Manager of Nippi Collagen NA Inc, states,” We are pleased to have received Non-GMO Product Verification. It is yet another validation of the sophisticated nature of TruMarine™ Collagen and Nippi’s commitment to introduce marine collagen to the global market. The Non-GMO Project’s Verified seal is North America’s only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO avoidance and the feedback from the market has been extremely positive.”

TruMarine™ premium select is produced from 100% fish scales, contains no skin and is odorless, colorless, and tasteless for an extremely high degree of purity compared to other forms of collagen. Marine-derived collagen attracts a larger market due to dietary preferences over beef, pork, and chicken in beauty and health products and is free from a risk of pathogens such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other animal induced diseases.

Type I collagen makes up 80% of our body’s collagen glycoprotein’s and is present in our skin, connective tissue framework, bones, joints, cornea, and blood vessels. TruMarine™ Collagen consists of small peptide molecules characterized by improved bioavailability and digestibility and contains a high concentration of high-nitrogen amino acids—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline which have specific nutri-functional properties to support overall health beauty.

Clinical research has shown numerous benefits from the ingestion of collagen peptides on skin, joint and bone health. Studies reported that taking TruMarine™ Collagen regularly, improves skin moisture level, smoothness and suppleness and prevents signs of aging such as the formation of deep-winkles and fine lines as well as UVB-induced skin damage. TruMarine™ also promotes joint health by helping to repair joint matrix degeneration and improving
long term joint comfort and mobility. Marine collagen has also been shown to help to restore bone mineral density and support healthy bone metabolism.

“We’re excited to be working with such dedicated raw material suppliers as Nippi Collagen,” says Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project. “The process to verify the non-GMO status of the supply chain shows a high level of commitment to transparency and to changing the overall supply chain. Nippi is taking a leadership role among raw material suppliers.”

Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA adds, “The Non-GMO Project Verified seal allows consumers in North America access to clearly-labeled non-GMO functional food and dietary supplements. Quality ingredient suppliers will be moving down this path to achieve verification which allows for better transparency and information along the supply chain.”

Vancouver, BC and Tokyo, Japan – Nippi Collagen, a global leader in the production and supply of premium marine collagen peptides announced the results of a 2014 clinical study that examined the effects of marine collagen peptide ingestion on the skin of healthy women aged 35-65 years. The research was intended to study the effectiveness of TruMarine™ Collagen on skin parameters related to cutaneous aging by a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

In a clinical trial, 88 women aged 35-65 years were given 5 grams of TruMarine™ Collagen peptide or placebo daily after dinner for 8 weeks, without knowing which material they were consuming. Before treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, digital images of the face were analyzed by VISIA® Complexion Analysis with multiple end points for facial skin parameters related to cutaneous aging. At 0, 4 and 8 weeks, wrinkles, pores, age spots (brown and red skin lesions inclusive of hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne spots, vascular lesions and lentigines) and texture (variation in tone and smoothness on the skin surface) were objectively measured. In addition, a daily diary and a subjective self-assessment questionnaire of facial skin condition were recorded at 0, 4 and 8 weeks.

Overall, wrinkles, texture, tone and smoothness were all significantly improved; resulting in a more youthful appearance. The daily intake of TruMarine™ Collagen resulted in a noticeable improvement of facial skin condition at both 4 and 8 weeks.

“Maintaining the integrity of the skin’s extracellular matrix is essential for conserving a youthful appearance. As early as our 30s, collagen production begins to decrease and our skin’s natural reserve of collagen begins to diminish, gradually collapsing the skin’s dermal layer and creating an ideal opportunity for wrinkle development.” states Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA Inc.

Marine collagen peptides can have a profound effect on the biological regulation of the skin and have been shown to boost new collagen production. Clinical research has shown numerous benefits from the ingestion of collagen peptides on skin health. Studies report that taking collagen peptides regularly improves skin moisture level and smoothness as well as helps to fight the effects of skin aging.

Additional results from the trial showed observed improvements in facial skin condition (68 % increase) including minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and uneven appearance of skin. Overall, there was significant improvements in skin texture, tone and smoothness resulting in a more youthful appearance.

“TruMarine™ Collagen provides clear anti-aging benefits, dermal rejuvenation and may up-regulate skin collagen metabolism,” said Mr. Nielsen. “We are extremely pleased to be releasing the new data on TruMarine™ Collagen. The results support the large body of clinical research previously undertaken by Nippi and underpin the tremendous growth potential that collagen supplements offer.”

About Nippi Collagen

Nippi Collagen is a leader in providing marine collagen peptides to the health and wellness market. As a global innovator, Nippi focuses on providing consistently high-quality products by implementing strict manufacturing standards without sacrificing environmental responsibilities. Nippi Collagen continually strives to improve and position itself as an innovator and global provider in natural, bioactive technologies.

Research and Development is supported by the Research Institute of BioMatrix, (Tokyo, Japan) which continues to lead the world in the study of collagen peptides.

About Type I Marine Collagen

Type I collagen makes up 80% of our body’s collagen glycoprotein’s and is present in our skin, connective tissue framework, bones, joints, cornea, and blood vessels. TruMarine™ Collagen consists of small peptide molecules characterized by improved bioavailability and digestibility. TruMarine™ contains a high concentration of high-nitrogen amino acids—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline which have specific nutri-functional properties to support health and beauty. Everyone can benefit from taking collagen. In Japan alone, the Collagen Beauty market generates over $2.3B in sales and marine collagen is now the preferred form of collagen globally.

Nippi offers collagen peptides extracted through a proprietary hydrolysis process. TruMarine™ Collagen is produced from 100% fish skin and scales that would otherwise be discarded and is sourced from a sustainable and traceable supply chain. TruMarine™ is not irradiated and is GMO- free, presenting unmatched advantages. Nippi marine collagen is odor and taste free and is considered superior to other collagen-based products.

Two industry leaders team up to introduce nutricosmetic TruMarine™ Collagen Jel Flex Paks for beauty from within health benefits

Vancouver, BC and Salt Lake City – Nippi Collagen, a global leader in the production and supply of premium marine collagen peptides and Innovative Flex Pak, a leading provider of flexible pouch packaging, announce a co-development launch – INNER BEAUTY JEL

The INNER BEAUTY JEL combines the flexible pouch pak delivery system with the functional benefits of TruMarine™ Collagen for a delicious fruit infused collagen “on the go” beauty supplement. INNER BEAUTY JEL contains 5 grams of TruMarine™ Collagen in a 1.2 oz package and delivers a therapeutic dose load in 1 serving. “The partnership between Nippi Collagen and Innovative Flex Pak is a truly exciting opportunity that offers a breakthrough new delivery system and product to consumers,” states Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA Inc.

Flexible pouch packaging is gaining traction in the dietary supplement market and is being offered up in a variety of health platforms including now, the highly popular, Beauty from within category. This pilot was designed as a sample formula to show potential brand owners the exciting opportunities of delivering collagen formulations in this trending Alternative Delivery format.

By integrating TruMarine™ Collagen into the Flex Pak System technology, we are able to offer brand owners an alternative and convenient way to promote collagen benefits” said Mr. Nielsen. The response from early market trials has been remarkable and we are extremely pleased to be working with Innovative Flex Pak on the development and launch of this product.”

“IFP is extremely excited to be partnering with Nippi, on this co-development project.” said Bryan Wright, Vice President of sales and business development, IFP. “TruMarine™ Collagen is the perfect complement to the flex pouch delivery technology and offers to consumers the combination of great flavor, an efficacious dose load, and a fabulous drinking experience. IFP can easily deliver on all these options,” continues Bryan Wright.

TruMarine™ Collagen INNER BEAUTY JEL is a delicious fruit infused Jel that promotes radiant and beautiful skin. Marine collagen peptides can have a profound effect on the biological regulation of the skin and have been shown to boost new collagen production. Clinical research has reported the numerous benefits of ingesting collagen peptides for skin benefits. Studies report that taking collagen peptides regularly improves skin moisture level and smoothness as well as helps to fight the effects of skin aging.

“Many of our customers have asked us about alternative dosage forms that lend themselves to the once-a-day, higher dose load format,” said Greg Nielsen, vice president of Nippi Collagen. “The TruMarine™ Flex paks made sense for a variety of reasons.”

Additionally, Mr. Wright added, “Because Collagen lends itself to a higher dose per day, it presented a perfect fit for IFP’s flex pouch technology, and we are pleased with the result of our co- development partnership.”

About Nippi Collagen

Nippi is a pioneer in field of collagen research and production and was the first to succeed in solubilizing collagen, receiving a patent for the process in 1960. Research and Development is supported by the Research Institute of BioMatrix, (Tokyo, Japan) which continues to lead the world in the study of collagen peptides. For more information on Nippi Collagen NA Inc. please visit www.nippicollagen.com

About Innovative Flex Pak

Innovative FlexPak specializes in flex packaging and manufacturing of nutraceutical supplements, functional foods, fruit purees, energy and protein gels, juices, and syrups. IFP offers large capacity, specializing in horizontal form, fill, and seal packaging with hot and cold fill capabilities. Trends in marketplace show that consumers are looking for products in packaging forms that promote ease of use and convenience. Single serve pouches are an ideal flexible packaging format and capitalize on this growing trend. Visit www.innovativeflexpak.com to learn more.

About Type I Marine Collagen

Type I collagen makes up 80% of our body’s collagen glycoprotein’s and is present in our skin, connective tissue framework, bones, joints, cornea, and blood vessels. TruMarine™ collagen consists of small peptide molecules characterized by improved bioavailability and digestibility and contain a high concentration of high-nitrogen amino acids—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline which have specific nutri-functional properties to support health and beauty. Everyone can benefit from taking collagen. In Japan alone, the Collagen Beauty market generates over $2.3B in sales and Marine Collagen is now the preferred form of collagen globally. “Throughout Asia, the Jel pouch format is very popular. You will see Collagen as a “stand alone” Jel Pak or combined with Hyaluronic Acid, and a wide range of other actives as well as exotic flavors ranging from Cafe Mocha to Mango/Passion,” states Lauren Clardy, Managing Director of NUTRIMARKETING. Visit www.nippicollagen.com to learn more.

Traditionally targeting an older audience, the natural joint health market is expanding to meet the needs of a younger generation.

Arthritis, a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, is the No. 1 cause of disability in the nation, affecting an estimated 50 million U.S. adults. This chronic condition includes more than 100 different rheumatic diseases, the most common of which is osteoarthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other forms are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and gout.

The joint health market has targeted aging Baby Boomers who are feeling the effects of years of wear and tear on their joints. The market for joint supplements is still strong within this group, but it is quickly expanding to meet the needs of younger generations. According to Dr. Jay Udani, founder and CEO of California-based contract researcher Medicus Research and Systemedicus, it’s no longer just the Baby Boomer generation struggling with joint pain; people can start having problems by age 30, depending on how much micro trauma they have caused themselves.

“Anybody who has been physically active—whether athletes or weekend warriors—will have episodes of micro trauma to their larger joints (such as ankles, knees, hips) that over time start to wear out and begin to show signs and symptoms of discomfort when they are exercising,” said Udani. “It’s not that they have arthritis, but they’re in a pre-arthritic state … Of course, if there’s any major traumatic event, it can result in a faster generation of the degenerative process, leading to this joint discomfort.”

Younger consumers are looking for ways to alleviate joint pain so they can keep up their normal exercise routines, said Udani. And others are looking for ways to prevent themselves from having problems down the road. “Generation X—those now predominantly in their 40s and following in the Baby Boomers indelible footsteps— folks in this age group are significantly interested in maintaining joint health and mobility,” said Dean Mosca, president of New Jersey-based Proprietary Nutritionals.

Tim Hammond, vice president of sales and marketing at Washingtonbased Bergstrom Nutrition, agreed that joint health is piquing the interest of younger people. He said recent studies on MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) suggest its effect on muscle and joint recovery, which could attract a younger consumer. “Youths tend to be more focused on products targeting energy or performance, and being bigger, stronger, faster, or more flexible,” he said. “Joint health products are viewed as products for ‘old people.’ However, it should be strongly considered as part of an overall active recovery, preventative and healthy aging supplement protocol.”

Popular Ingredients

To combat joint health issues, supplements can do three things: reduce inflammation, dull pain, or help rebuild the joint by providing necessary nutrients, said Udani. The old standbys that support joint health are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, collagen and omega fatty acids.

Several well-designed studies have suggested that supplemental chondroitin, a major component of cartilage, may be effective in treating osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip by helping to reduce pain, improve functional status and reduce joint swelling and stiffness.¹ But other studies had mixed results.

Glucosamine, another key part of cartilage, has been suggested as an effective treatment for OA, but again with some mixed results, according to a study called the 2006 Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. This study of approximately 1,600 people with OA of the knee found that glucosamine alone, or in combination with chondroitin, did not reduce pain in the overall group, but did appear to lessen pain among those with moderate to severe OA of the knee.²

As mentioned earlier, MSM is another popular joint health ingredient as it helps form connective tissue such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It may also slow nerve impulses that transmit pain signals, thus reducing pain.³ Bergstrom Nutrition offers an MSM ingredient called OptiMSM, manufactured exclusively in the U.S.

According to Hammond, recent studies have supported that OptiMSM helps combat exercise-induced inflammation by decreasing the amount of free radicals formed as a result of intense activity, and that it decreases measures of muscle damage and soreness. “This means less recovery time and a quicker return to exercise or daily activity,” he added.

Another study4, conducted in 2011, looked at oxidative stress from exercise in untrained healthy males. The double blind, placebo-controlled study reviewed subjects for 10 days as they received 50 mg/kg body weight of MSM (equating to 3.75 g/day for a 75 kg person). They then completed a 14 km run. According to the study, the group treated with MSM showed favorable effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress following the exercise.

Collagen, another well-known supplement for joint health, is the basic building material of all fibrous connective tissue and is the main component of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones, nails and skin, said Lauren Clardy of Canada-based Nippi Collagen NA Inc. Clardy is managing director of Nutrimarketing and vice president of marketing and business development for Nippi North America, which produces the TruMarine Collagen ingredient.

TruMarine Collagen is a highly soluble form of bioavailable type I collagen sourced from sustainable fish, according to the company. Clinical trials have shown that supplementing with TruMarine Collagen significantly reduces joint pain and discomfort because it protects against joint matrix degeneration and reduces oxidative damage, resulting in joint pain reduction and improved long-term joint comfort and mobility, Clardy said. “Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is the result of joint and cartilage degradation. While joint degradation is most commonly found in areas such as the hips, knees and vertebra, it is a condition that can affect any and all joints in the body, leading to pain and a marked loss of mobility.”

In a 24-week, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind test study, athletes with activity-related joint pain who were given a marine collagen peptide dietary supplement reported their joint pain at rest and during activity was considerably improved, and so was their joint comfort and mobility.

Research has also confirmed that supplementing with marine collagen’s inherently smaller molecular weight yields better bioavailability compared to other collagen products, Clardy explained. “Its small peptide molecules and low molecular weight encourages a higher level absorption through the intestinal barrier, leading to improved collagen synthesis. Fish collagen peptides are also characterized by their unique amino acid composition, with a high concentration of lysine, proline and hydroxyproline— the primary agents responsible for stimulating cell regeneration.”

Also important to the category ingredient list are omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for lubricating joints and supporting joint health. Research has found that significant concentrations of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid), as well as a relatively balanced ratio of EPA to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), support joint health by producing hormonelike compounds that intervene with the chemical reactions that can affect joints. “Several studies also show that the lubricating benefits of EPA concentrates may increase joint mobility while reducing the joint discomfort and fatigue associated with strenuous exercise,” said Bob Green, chairman of Novel Ingredient Services, a New Jersey-based company that is the exclusive U.S. distributor of GC Rieber omega-3 concentrates.

A 2012 review of scientific literature, conducted by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM), concluded that EPA and DHA may be helpful in supporting joint health. Many participants reported that when taking fish oil they experienced briefer morning stiffness, less joint swelling, less pain and less need for anti-inflammatory drugs, Green explained.

Further, according to Green, the omega-3 concentrates that are source from fish caught in cold, deep-sea waters offer the best quality. “Not only do they come from pristine marine habitats, they also have the highest concentrations of EPA, as well as DHA, and offer superior quality,” he said. GC Rieber is a leadership member of GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3) and sources fish oils exclusively from oceans managed by international and government agencies that enforce meticulous quality assurance and sustainability programs.

Proprietary Nutritionals also offers fatty acids. The company’s Celadrin ingredient was developed through a proprietary process of esterifying fatty acids to ensure stability and prevent reactions with oxygen, Mosca noted. “Celadrin has become one of the most recognized ingredients for reducing inflammation and promoting joint health,” he said. “It is medically and clinically proven to alleviate discomfort as well as to support enhanced mobility.” The ingredient can be delivered in capsule form, as well as a topical cream.

The company also offers Perluxan, a proprietary extract of hops clinically shown to reduce joint discomfort. A clinical study of patients with knee pain showed Perluxan had a fast-acting effect on relieving discomfort and offered a significant improvement over placebo after only two hours following the first dose, Mosca explained. Another pilot study demonstrated that Perluxan was comparable to ibuprofen in reducing pain-causing inflammatory enzymes.

“New” Ingredients

New ingredients are coming onto the joint health scene, which may be of interest to open-minded younger consumers. “Younger people may be more likely to buy into alternatives to big pharma like vitamins and supplements, and with the amount of information about causes and effects of joint damage available, are definitely more concerned with prevention than their elders,” said Chelsea Thomas, marketing coordinator at Indianabased Verdure Sciences.

The company offers two joint health ingredients, WokVel and Pomella. WokVel contains boswellic acids extracted from boswellia that are known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5- LO). “These are the two primary pathways impacting joint health,” Thomas said. The ingredient was shown to be comparable to more traditional pharmaceuticals, and, according to Thomas, was also clinically shown to increase joint function and flexibility compared to placebo in multiple published human trials.

Pomella Pomegranate Extract has displayed potential use in joint health. In a study done on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, pomegranate extract was shown to delay the onset and reduce the incidence of CIA. “This suggests that pomegranate extract, or compounds derived from it, may be a useful approach for the prevention of the onset and severity of inflammatory arthritis,” Thomas said.

Pomella is available in a water-soluble form for application in beverages, powdered drink mixes and alternative dosage forms for the consumer who prefers liquid supplements to pills. And WokVel’s granular form is well suited for tablets and capsules, according to Thomas.

Another new ingredient that may not immediately come to mind for joint health is dried apple peels. Canadian company Leahy Orchards Inc. is a fruit and vegetable processing company that focuses primarily on apples. Its AppleActiv DAPP is an allnatural ingredient made from organic dried apple peel. “AppleActiv supports a wide variety of age-related conditions, and is clinically proven to support joint comfort and range of motion,” said Lorraine Leahy, nutritionist and director of division of functional foods at the company.

AppleActiv is a rich polyphenol blend with high levels of antioxidants, flavonoids, quercetin, triterpenoids, vitamins and minerals and is ideal for use in nutrition bars, shakes and drinks, smoothies, snacks, marinades, mixes and supplements.

A recent clinical study established apple peel as a joint health ingredient offering a new option and direction for a category that has long been dominated by just a few frequently used ingredients, Leahy said. “While these ingredients allowed formulators to develop products with some success, manufacturers have been waiting for something new to offer their customers. Through nutritional support, joint function can be improved, inflammation can be managed, degradation slowed and natural repair processes enhanced.”

Next Pharmaceuticals, located in Salinas, CA, offers two products for joint health— Nexrutine and Citrofen.

Nexrutine is a proprietary blend of actives from the bark of Phellodendron amurense. The product acts to indirectly inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and works to alleviate joint discomfort associated with exercise and overexertion, said Deanne Dolnick, vice president of the company.

Citrofen is a blend of patented polymethoxylated flavones and berberine. “It supports joint health by inhibiting TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, thereby helping to alleviate the joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis,” Dolnick said, adding that consumers want more than the traditional glucosamine and chondroitin—they want something that is faster acting and gives results.

According to Dolnick, Next Pharmaceuticals just completed a dose-dependent study on Citrofen and will soon be submitting it for publication. “The next step will be to conduct a double blind, placebo-controlled study on this new effective very low dose,” she added. “The subjects in the dose-dependent trial had osteoarthritis and obtained great results in alleviating the joint discomfort associated with the disease.”

Nippi Collagen has teamed up with Stauber Ingredients to supply consumers with Marine collagen with multiple benefits to enhance inner beauty, skin, bone and joint health.

Burnaby, BC, Canada — Nippi Collagen NA. Inc has established a strategic alliance with STAUBER Performance Ingredients, a supplier of value-added ingredients to the nutraceutical market for TruMarine™ Collagen, Nippi’s collagen peptides. Nippi Collagen is a leader in providing high-quality marine collagen globally and is now bringing its knowledge and expertise of collagen peptides to the North American market with its exclusive ingredient TruMarine™ Collagen.

“Nippi and STAUBER are truly excited to be entering into this partnership. The initial market reception for TruMarine™ Collagen has been extremely positive and our distribution agreement with STAUBER allows us to enter the high-growth US market quickly,” said Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA Inc. “It provides Nippi with an opportunity to bring our proprietary TruMarine™ Collagen ingredient to the American consumer. STAUBER is focused on distributing breakthrough health ingredients with scientifically proven benefits and TruMarine™ Collagen fits well with their portfolio of premium products.”

The nutraceutical industry is currently driven by a growing demand for the highest quality collagen peptides with the substantial increase in collagen peptide sales, up more than 25% according to recent Mintel Research data. Studies support that Type I collagen peptides extracted from marine sources consist of small peptide molecules that have enhanced bioavailability and digestibility compared to other collagen products. TruMarine™ collagen is virtually odorless, “taste – free” and is kosher certified.

About Nippi Collagen NA Inc.

Nippi is a pioneer in field of collagen research and production and was the first to succeed in solubilizing collagen, receiving a patent for the process in 1960. The company focuses on providing the highest quality products with proven science that are fastened to solutions meeting the needs of the market. Research and Development is supported by the Research Institute of BioMatrix, (Tokyo, Japan) which continues to lead the world in the study of collagen peptides.

About STAUBER

Since 1969, STAUBER has consistently offered the finest quality ingredients to the nutritional, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and pet care industries. The company was founded on the principle of partnering with manufacturers that provide the highest level of product and service. From our corporate office in Fullerton, California, manufacturing capabilities under our control in New York, warehouses in four strategic geographic locations and alliances with major freight companies, Stauber is able to react quickly and deliver customer needs by being a complete “solution provider.”

Two industry leaders team up to introduce TruMarine™ Collagen enriched Drinking Straws for beauty, bone and joint health

Vancouver, BC and Singapore —Nippi Collagen, a global leader in the production and supply of premium marine collagen peptides and Unistraw Holdings, a leading innovator in functional and conceptual health products, today announced a strategic partnership to produce and distribute TruMarine™ Collagen drinking straws.

The INNER BEAUTY and BONE & JOINT SIP™ straws takes Unistraw’s revolutionary delivery system and combines it with the functional benefits of TruMarine™ Collagen. The CollagenSIP™ contains hundreds of UniBeads securely housed within the straw, which dissolve as liquid is sipped through it. The straws turn everyday drinks into a tasty, functional beverage with scientifically proven benefits for beauty, bone and joint health.

“The partnership between Nippi Collagen and Unistraw is a truly exciting opportunity to offer a revolutionary new product to consumers, answering today’s growing demand for health and wellness ingredients. By integrating TruMarine™Collagen peptides into the Unistraw Delivery System technology, we are able to offer consumers an alternative and convenient way to promote bone, joint, and skin health” said Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA Inc. “The response from early market trials has been remarkable and we are extremely pleased to be working with Unistraw on the development and launch of this product.” continues Greg Nielsen. TruMarine™ INNER BEAUTY SIP was named SSW Editor’s Choice Awards Finalist in the Nutricosmetics category, an event that rewards achievements in innovation and market significance for products that are coming to market.

“Unistraw is extremely excited to be partnering with the worlds leading global marine collagen specialist, Nippi. Nippi’s TruMarine™ Collagen is the perfect complement to Unistraw delivery system and will underpin a disruptive approach to entering fast growing functional categories like Beauty from Within and Bone & Joint health. The combination of great flavor, healthy positioning, trusted ingredient brand and a fabulous drinking experience puts us into the sweet spot of consumer desire. In Japan alone, the Collagen Beauty market generates over $2.3B in sales and this trend will accelerate globally through Unistraw’s TruMarine™ Collagen beverage innovation” said Carl Freund, Country Manager Unistraw USA.

Everyone can benefit from taking collagen. Because TruMarine™ Collagen is carefully extracted from marine sources of collagen, it offers a superior alternative to other animal based collagen products and meets consumers’ highest standards. Studies support that Type I collagen peptides extracted from marine sources consist of small peptide molecules that have superior bioavailability and digestibility compared to other collagen products. Fish collagen peptides are also characterized by their specific amino acid composition, with a high concentration of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These specific amino acids have functional properties promoting beauty, bone and joint health.

About Nippi Collagen NA Inc.

Nippi is a pioneer in field of collagen research and production and was the first to succeed in solubilizing collagen, receiving a patent for the process in 1960. Nippi Collagen is now bringing its knowledge and expertise of collagen peptides to the North American market with its proprietary ingredient TruMarine™ Collagen. The company focuses on providing the highest quality products with proven science that are fastened to solutions meeting the needs of the market. Research and Development is supported by the Research Institute of BioMatrix, (Tokyo, Japan) which continues to lead the world in the study of collagen peptides.

The patented Unistraw Delivery System is a straw device created in 1996 by Australian Peter Baron that can add flavor, energy, collagen peptides, probiotics, vitamins, nutrition and even pharmaceuticals to liquid sipped through it, including water, milk, fruit juices and even alcoholic beverages. Combining superior taste with healthy ingredients, each Unistraw brand is scientifically validated for health and functional benefits. Unistraw is headquartered in Singapore, and houses its manufacturing facilities in India and sales and marketing teams in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Kazakhstan, Colombia and Brazil. The company creates products under the CollagenSip™, Electric™, Tubulars™, Sipahh™, and UniPhar® brands.

Nippi Collagen NA Inc. Named Among Top NutriCosmetics for Innovation and Market Significance

Burnaby, BC — VIRGO (vpico.com), an information distribution company focused on the most innovative and complex business-to-business markets that fuel the U.S. and world economies, today announced Nippi’s INNER BEAUTY SIP Straws as one of its 2013 SupplySide Editor’s Choice Awards Finalists in the nutricosmetics category.

Nippi’s INNER BEAUTY SIP Straws is one of the five 2013 consumer packaged goods (CPG) products that were selected by the SupplySide editorial team for achievements in innovation and market significance in the nutricosmetics category. One winner will be announced at SupplySide West 2013 during the SupplySide Editor’s Choice Awards Reception, set for Nov. 13 at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

“Nippi is very honored to have been selected as a SupplySide Editor’s Choice Award Finalist in the NutriCosmetics category” says Greg Nielsen, Vice President of Nippi Collagen NA Inc. “Our INNER BEAUTY SIP straw is a breakthrough partnership combining Nippi’s premium collagen peptide and Unistraw Delivery System (UDS) technology. Our goal was to offer consumers superior health and beauty benefits in a convenient and delicious functional beverage.”

INNER BEAUTY SIP straws turn everyday drinks into a tasty, functional beverage with scientifically proven beauty and skin health benefits*. Studies support that Type I collagen peptides extracted from marine sources consist of small peptide molecules that have superior bioavailability and digestibility compared to other collagen products. Drinking TruMarine™ SIP straws works from the ‘inside out’ by nourishing your body with the premium nutritional building blocks needed to fight the effects of aging and helps support skin’s elasticity and firmness for a youthful and radiant skin’.

For more than 15 years, SupplySide has helped dietary supplement, food, beverage, personal care and cosmetic professionals find information to explore, discover, innovate and market their next best-selling product. The inaugural Editor’s Choice Awards is among several recent and forthcoming strategic initiatives to extend its services. The SupplySide West event draws 13,000 attendees and offers more than 1,700 exhibit booths showcasing innovative ingredients and technologies from around the world.

“Last year’s inaugural Editor’s Choice Awards program was a great success, highlighting the products that are coming to market, driven by the innovative ingredients highlighted at SupplySide,” said Heather Granato, vice president, content, in VIRGO’s Health & Nutrition Network. “This year’s program expanded from 10 to 15 categories, and our editorial team was impressed by the range of products and out-of-the-box thinking that these companies are putting into product development to reach their target market.”

The 2013 SupplySide Editor’s Choice Awards Reception is sponsored by Draco Natural Products. SupplySide West will be held Nov. 12 to 16 at the Venetian and Sands Expo in Las Vegas. For more information, visit supplysideshow.com.

About Nippi Collagen NA IncNippi is a pioneer in field of collagen research and production and was the first to succeed in solubilizing collagen, receiving a patent for the process in 1960. Nippi Collagen’s knowledge and expertise of collagen peptides are being brought to the North American market with its proprietary ingredient TruMarine™ collagen. The company focuses on providing the highest quality products with proven science that are fastened to solutions meeting the needs of the market. Research and Development is supported by the Research Institute of BioMatrix, (Tokyo, Japan) which continues to lead the world in the study of collagen peptides. For more information on Nippi Collagen NA Inc. please visit http://nippicollagen.com

About VIRGO:
VIRGO is an information distribution company focused on the most innovative and complex business-to-business markets that fuel U.S. and world economies. Our mission is to help business professionals break through the hype, ambiguity and information deluge they experience, by offering trustworthy guidance on the decisions they need to make — be that early in their decision making process, whilst making a purchase decision, or following the decision when a product, service or ingredient is in use.

With 19 brands including trade magazines and/or websites, trade shows and regional conferences, training and accreditation programs, and an expanding online platform, VIRGO leverages its events, publications, digital and other media to provide integrated solutions for professionals in industries including healthcare, natural products, telecommunications and self-storage.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Nippi refers to Nippi Collagen NA Inc., a Canadian incorporation and the North American branch of Nippi Inc. and its related entities. Please see About Nippi Collagen for a more detailed description of Nippi Collagen.